Finally recognizing the Israeli opioid disaster
Israel is now the largest per capita consumer of opioids, facing a rising crisis. The challenges, responses from health authorities, and the need for improved treatment and prevention are urgent.
When in 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counted the deaths of over a million Americans from overdosing on opioids, Israel’s Health Ministry was asked whether it could happen here. The spokesperson confidently said no, despite the fact that many trends from North America inevitably arrive in Israel within a few years.
The epidemic began about 25 years ago when drug and healthcare companies began to promote these highly addictive substances, claiming they were effective in relieving suffering without causing dependency.
Largest consumers of opioids per capita
Incredibly, Israelis today are the largest consumers per capita of opioids in the world, with many addicted or having already succumbed to the crisis. The exact fatality figures are unknown, as causes of death are often attributed to organ failures or heart attacks, rather than opioid use.
Is Israel heading towards a situation similar to that of the US? It appears so, and health authorities must now address the opioid crisis effectively.
The scandal has been embarrassing for Israel, particularly since the Sackler family, known for their involvement in the opioid disaster through Purdue Pharma, is linked to this issue. The Knesset Health Committee recently discussed the rise in opioid consumption, with experts calling for serious programs to treat addiction.
Opioids work by attaching to receptors in the brain and body, obstructing pain messages. While they can relieve pain, they are also highly addictive, especially when used long-term.
No special prescription, no time limit, no supervision
Prof. Pinhas Dannon, a leading expert on opioid addiction, noted that anyone with a medical degree can prescribe these drugs without special oversight. This lack of regulation raises serious concerns about addiction.
Currently, only a few psychiatric hospitals provide treatment for severe addiction, and there is a pressing need for more comprehensive care.
Health funds have begun to take notice of the opioid crisis, but much more needs to be done to monitor and regulate opioid prescriptions.
No medical instruction on the issue
Dr. Paola Rosca, head of the addictions department, highlighted the lack of mandatory education on addiction in medical schools. This gap in training must be addressed to combat the crisis effectively.
In conclusion, Israel cannot ignore the opioid epidemic any longer. The health authorities must take decisive action to prevent further escalation of this crisis, which poses a significant threat to public health.
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